Sarah Mitchell
Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is speculated to be the first Catholic prime minister in British history. Johnson was baptised as a Catholic as a baby, but was raised as an Anglican and confirmed in that faith while at Eton. Johnson's marriage to Carrie Symonds in Westminster Cathedral, the seat of Catholicism in London, and the Catholic baptism of their son have fuelled suspicions about his faith. While Johnson has not publicly confirmed his religious affiliation, his potential Catholicism has sparked controversy due to the historical difficulties for Catholics to rise to the position of Prime Minister.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Boris Johnson a Catholic? | Johnson is elusive about his religious affiliation, but he was baptised as a Catholic as a baby and married in a Catholic cathedral. |
| Is Boris Johnson the first Catholic Prime Minister of the UK? | Johnson is the first baptised Catholic to become Prime Minister of the UK. |
| Is there a law against Catholics becoming Prime Minister? | There is no technical reason why a Catholic cannot become Prime Minister of the UK. |
| Has there been a Catholic Prime Minister before? | Former Prime Minister Tony Blair converted to Catholicism after leaving office. |
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What You'll Learn
Boris Johnson's marriage to Carrie Symonds
The marriage of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds has sparked curiosity over the years. Johnson's marriage to Symonds, a Catholic, was a surprising and sudden affair. It was Johnson's third marriage, and the couple tied the knot in a secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral in front of a small group of close friends and family. The marriage caused a stir as Johnson was the first prime minister of the United Kingdom to marry while in office in nearly 200 years.
Carrie Symonds, now Carrie Johnson, is a former press advisor to the Conservative Party and masterminded broadcast coverage for the party during the 2015 general election. She is known for her stylish and modern persona, often posting about family holidays, fashion, and lunches with friends on her Instagram feed. She is also an ardent conservationist, often pictured with her father-in-law, Stanley Johnson, at anti-whaling protests.
The couple's relationship has not been without its challenges. There were reports of an angry bust-up during the leadership campaign, which generated news headlines. Additionally, there are rumours that Johnson's children from his previous marriage are still furious with him for wrecking his marriage to their mother, Marina Wheeler. Despite this, Johnson and Symonds have received endorsements from various political players, who have praised Carrie for her brilliance, political savvy, and fun personality.
The couple has a son together, Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson, whose name was partly inspired by the medics who cared for Johnson during his harrowing Covid-19 ordeal. Symonds also made a personal statement via Instagram, expressing her joy at becoming a mother and announcing their engagement.
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Johnson's Catholic baptism
Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was baptised as a Catholic as a baby. His godmother was Rachel Billington, a member of the staunchly Catholic Longford family. Johnson's mother, Charlotte Fawcett, is also Catholic. Despite his Catholic baptism, Johnson was raised as an Anglican and was confirmed in that faith while he was a teenager studying at Eton.
Johnson's religious affiliation became a topic of discussion following his marriage to Carrie Symonds, a Catholic, in a Catholic cathedral while he was in office. Johnson had been married twice before, but these unions were not recognised by the Catholic Church. Johnson's marriage caused surprise and stirred controversy, as the Catholic Church requires Catholics to observe canonical regulations to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony. Johnson's marriage also raised questions about his role in the Church of England, as the prime minister is not allowed to advise the monarch on the appointment of Anglican bishops under the Catholic Relief Act of 1829.
While Johnson has not publicly confirmed whether he is a practicing Catholic, his Catholic baptism and marriage have brought attention to the changing religious landscape in British politics.
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Johnson's Anglican confirmation
Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was indeed the first Catholic to hold the office in over three centuries. However, it is important to note that Johnson was not a practicing Catholic during his tenure as Prime Minister. While he was baptized and raised in the Catholic faith, he underwent an Anglican confirmation ceremony as a teenager. This ceremony is a rite of passage in the Anglican Church, symbolizing a person's affirmation of their faith and commitment to the church.
The confirmation ceremony usually involves a bishop laying their hands on the confirmands' heads and praying for the descent of the Holy Spirit. The confirmands make a public profession of their faith, renouncing evil and reaffirming their baptismal vows. They are also given the opportunity to choose a new name, though it is unclear if Johnson opted to do so. As part of the ritual, Johnson would have been anointed with holy oil, a symbolic gesture of sealing the individual with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Undergoing Anglican confirmation suggests a degree of commitment and identification with the Anglican faith. However, it is worth noting that Johnson's relationship with religion, like other aspects of his life, has been complex and nuanced. He has described himself as a "very, very bad Christian," and his personal life and political career have often drawn scrutiny and controversy from religious and non-religious observers alike.
While Johnson's confirmation ceremony affirmed his association with the Anglican faith, his religious beliefs and practices have continued to evolve throughout his life. Johnson has expressed interest in various religious traditions and philosophies, and his time in office was marked by a pragmatic approach to faith-related matters, often prioritizing secular policies and a diverse, multi-faith society. Nonetheless, his Anglican confirmation remains a significant milestone, reflecting a period of spiritual exploration and commitment during his formative years.
In conclusion, while Boris Johnson's Catholic upbringing garnered significant attention in the context of his premiership, his Anglican confirmation demonstrates a more complex religious journey. This rite of passage, conducted during his teenage years at Eton College, signifies a public affirmation of faith and a spiritual turning point. Nonetheless, Johnson's religious beliefs and practices have continued to evolve, reflecting his nuanced and multifaceted approach to faith and spirituality.
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The Catholic Relief Act of 1829
There is no evidence that Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is Catholic. Johnson was baptised as a Catholic as a baby, but was raised as an Anglican and confirmed in that faith at Eton. He married Carrie Symonds, a Catholic, in Westminster Cathedral, the seat of Catholicism in London, and had his son baptised in the Catholic Church. When asked by a journalist if he was "now a practising Catholic", Johnson replied, "I don't discuss these deep issues—certainly not with you."
The Act removed the sacramental tests required for certain positions, such as professorships, fellowships, and studentships at universities. However, it did not remove all civil disabilities for Catholics. For example, Section 18 of the Act, which states that "No Roman Catholic [may advise] the Crown in the appointment to offices in the established church", is still in force in England, Wales, and Scotland.
The Act also included sectarian impositions, such as restrictions on admittance to Catholic religious orders and on Catholic church processions. These restrictions were repealed with the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1926. The Parliamentary Elections (Ireland) Act 1829, which passed on the same day as the Catholic Relief Act, disenfranchised over 80% of Ireland's electorate, including a majority of the tenant farmers who had helped force the issue of emancipation in 1828 by electing Daniel O'Connell, the leader of the Catholic Association, to parliament.
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Johnson's refusal to discuss his faith
Boris Johnson is the first Catholic prime minister of the United Kingdom in nearly two centuries. Johnson's faith has been a topic of interest and speculation, especially given his refusal to publicly discuss his religious beliefs during his political career. While he has never hidden his Catholicism, he has also not made it a focal point of his public persona or sought to use it for political gain.
Johnson's reluctance to openly discuss his faith may stem from a desire to maintain a separation between his personal beliefs and his public duties. As a politician, he is responsible for representing all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation (or lack thereof). By keeping his personal beliefs private, he can avoid any potential accusations of bias or favoritism toward any particular religious group.
Additionally, in a country like the United Kingdom, where the relationship between religion and politics has historically been complex and where religious affiliation can still be a sensitive topic, Johnson's discretion could be a strategic choice to avoid controversy and focus on issues that unite rather than divide the country.
It is also worth considering the personal and familial factors that may influence Johnson's decision. He was raised in a family with a diverse range of religious backgrounds and beliefs. His father, Stanley Johnson, is a devout Anglican, while his mother, Charlotte Johnson Wahl, converted to Catholicism later in life. Boris Johnson, himself, was baptized and confirmed as a Catholic but attended Anglican schools and has described his childhood faith as "not exactly devout."
Finally, Johnson's career as a journalist and writer may have also influenced his approach to discussing personal matters in public. As a wordsmith, he likely understands the power of language and the potential consequences of his words. By refraining from publicly discussing his faith, he avoids making statements that could be misconstrued or used out of context, allowing him to maintain a level of privacy and control over his personal life.
While Boris Johnson's refusal to openly discuss his Catholic faith may be multifaceted and open to interpretation, it is clear that he recognizes the importance of religious tolerance and the separation of personal beliefs from public duties. His approach reflects a respect for the diverse religious landscape of the United Kingdom and an understanding of the sensitive nature of religion in the public sphere.
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Frequently asked questions
Boris Johnson was baptised as a Catholic as a baby but was raised as an Anglican and confirmed in that faith while at Eton. He married Carrie Symonds, a Catholic, in a Catholic ceremony at Westminster Cathedral. Johnson has refused to clarify whether he is a practising Catholic.
While Boris Johnson is the first baptised Catholic to become prime minister, Theresa May was described by Michael Gove as "an Anglo-Catholic rather than a Roman Catholic". Tony Blair also converted to Catholicism after leaving office.
The Church of England is the established religion of the UK, and the country has a long history of anti-Catholic laws. The Catholic Relief Act of 1829, for example, forbids Catholics from advising the monarch on the appointment of Anglican bishops.
